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Deputy Head of Engineering
Reading
£55,000 – £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Engineering to support the Head of Engineering in leading day-to-day operations, maintenance activities, and team development across a busy, high-performance site.

This is a hands-on leadership role offering the perfect blend of technical responsibility, team supervision, and strategic development—ideal for someone aiming to step into a Head of Engineering position in the near future.

Key Responsibilities
Support the Head of Engineering in leading and organising the department
Oversee planned and reactive maintenance across plant and equipment
Monitor equipment performance and minimise unplanned downtime
Supervise external contractors, audits, and permit systems
Ensure health, safety, and compliance protocols are met (e.g. COSHH, LOLER)
Manage parts inventory, budget control, and accurate maintenance reporting
Support recruitment, onboarding and upskilling of engineering staff
Lead meetings and represent engineering during audits or improvement forums
Contribute to capex planning, energy efficiency and CI initiatives
Promote a clean, safe and efficient working environment What We’re Looking For
5+ years’ experience in a hands-on engineering or maintenance role
Strong leadership, mentoring or supervisory experience
Experience in a fast-paced environment such as manufacturing, production, logistics, food, or facilities
Practical knowledge of plant machinery, utilities, and industrial systems
Proactive, improvement-focused, and collaborative in approach
Ambition to progress into a more senior leadership role Desirable Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
18th Edition (for electrical engineers)
Exposure to steam or gas systems (e.g. BOAS, CDGA1)
IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety certification – beneficial but not essential
Familiarity with CMMS or asset management software Key Competencies
Leadership – Leads by example, supports team development
Communication – Works cross-functionally with clarity and influence
Problem Solving – Tackles root causes, not just symptoms
Customer Focus – Minimises disruption to operations
Safety-First Mindset – Champions safe systems of work
Commercial Awareness – Keeps costs efficient and value-focused
Growth-Oriented – Invests in personal and team progression Why Join Us?
Key leadership role in a supportive, forward-thinking organisation
Clear pathway to future progression into Head of Engineering
Competitive salary up to £60,000 + on-call pay
High-impact role in a dynamic, varied working environment
Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and growth Shift Pattern:

Week 1: 05:00 – 14:00
Week 2: 07:30 – 16:30
Week 3: 14:00 – 23:00 Apply today or get in touch with (url removed) for a confidential conversation